Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Clayton Valley Charter's Chase Graves -

CVCHS Varsity Men’s Baseball team. Front row: Ryan Watada, Joseph Wheeler, Telly Hill, John Saylor, Edward Curley, Kyle Connelly, Mason Covalt, Jose Ruiz, Aidan Reinwald. Middle row: Ryder Helfrick, Jason Drollinger, Matt Kavinole, Casey Coakley, Jesie Madroner, Xavier Nelson, Leighton Helfrick. Back row: Seth Gwynn, Mason Oakley, Kyree Despanie, Logan Taylor, Jacob Krieg, Ryan Pierce, Joseph Soberon, Chase Graves.

Chase Graves

School: Clayton Valley Charter High School
Grade: Senior
Sport: Baseball

Senior Graves was a key member of the Ugly Eagles baseball team that was 6-1-1 in non-league play this spring before the coronavirus pandemic cut short their season. He says, “This team is more than just a baseball team. Beyond the amazing talent on the field, we have an unbreakable bond that we will all remember for the rest of our lives. I’m so grateful to have spent the last four years with my best friends and teammates. Losing this season means everything, as we put countless hours working hard non-stop for this year. What hurts is the fact that I can’t play with my brothers- some of which I’ve played with my whole life. For it to end the way it did was heartbreaking.

This season was supposed to end with glory and championships, instead it ends like this. It’s a shame but I know it’s something that had to happen, and I wish nothing but good health for everyone affected and their loved ones.”

The outfielder will be playing in Stockton this fall for the University of the Pacific. He was a second team all-Diablo Athletic League player last year as a junior in his second season on the CVCHS varsity, a team that is a perennial North Coast Section playoff participant. Graves batted .304 last year and had started off 2020 with a hot .385 batting average in the eight games they played

Head coach Casey Coakley says, “Chase is a player who represents Clayton Valley baseball well. He is a hard worker who is always there for his teammates. Chase will be a great teammate wherever he plays.”

CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Chase and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.